Antioxidant therapy for hepatic diseases: a double-edged sword.

Liver diseases are complex conditions, significantly influenced by oxidative stress. This comprehensive review assesses the therapeutic role of antioxidants like l-ascorbic acid and α tocopherol, beta-carotene, various minerals, and plant-based ingredients in mitigating oxidative stress-induced liver diseases. The manuscript delves into the critical influence of genetic and epigenetic factors on disease susceptibility, progression, and response to antioxidant therapy. While animal studies suggest antioxidant efficacy in liver disease treatment, human trials remain inconclusive, and caution is advised due to its possible potential pro-oxidant effects. Moreover, the interactions of antioxidants with other drugs necessitate careful consideration in the management of polypharmacy in liver disease patients. The review underscores the need for further research to establish the clinical benefits of antioxidants with understanding of possible antioxidant toxicities to elucidate the intricate interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors in liver diseases. The aim is to foster a better understanding of the knowledge on hepatic disease management with judicial antioxidant therapies.

Incidental Arthroscopic Finding of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Post-traumatic Ligamentous Injury to Knee Joint.

Introduction: The relationship between physical trauma and subsequent symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been described in the past though onset of newer disease of RA in apparently normal patient is doubtful. Trauma can cause precipitation of RA symptoms. Such trauma includes fractures, joint injuries, road traffic accidents, and also surgeries and deliveries. Although post-traumatic osteoarthritis following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is more common pathology, association of RA following ACL injury has not been reported in the literature. This case report highlights on one rare incidental diagnosis of RA postoperatively in a patient with traumatic ACL tear with previously no features of RA and how patient was managed successfully both by surgical and by medical management. Case Report: A 30-year-old male patient presented to us with complaints of pain over right knee associated with recurrent swelling, instability, clicking sounds, and occasional locking episodes since 6 months following twisting injury with no other symptoms in other joints of the body. Based on clinicoradiological workup, the diagnosis of traumatic complete ACL tear with medial meniscus bucket handle tear of body and posterior horn with early osteoarthritic changes was made. The patient was operated with ACL reconstruction with quadrupled hamstring graft, partial medial meniscectomy and debridement + microfracture for cartilage defects. The patient was worked up for inflammatory arthritis post operatively considering unusual synovitis of knee. Based on histopathological and serological investigations (rheumatoid factor and anticitrullinated protein antibody), the patient was put on disease modifying antirheumatoid drugs for 1 year. At 1-year follow-up, the patient was back to his normal activities with full range of movements with Lysholm Knee Score of 89. Conclusion: Traumatic ACL tear can result in onset of RA following trauma and needs to be worked up further when there are findings of unusual synovitis or cartilage damage arthroscopically. Such association is rare and concomitant diagnosis of RA or other inflammatory arthritis can be easily missed out if not addressed properly.

Role of autopsy in diagnosing asplenia and right bilobed lung in a fetus with dextrocardia.

We present a unique case of a fetus with dextrocardia, asplenia and a right bilobed lung in a primigravida woman in her 20s at 21 weeks' gestation. Prenatal ultrasound examination revealed dextrocardia and other anomalies such as atrioventricular septal defect and situs ambiguous with the gallbladder on the left, leading to termination of the pregnancy. Fetal autopsy confirmed the diagnosis, detected additional findings such as asplenia and right bilobed lung missed on ultrasound and highlighted the importance of autopsy in prenatal diagnosis. This rare case emphasises the value of a comprehensive prenatal assessment, fetal autopsy and a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing, managing and counselling families affected by congenital anomalies. Timely detection and appropriate genetic counselling can guide affected families in making informed decisions regarding future pregnancies while providing closure and support in their grieving process.

Low oxygen microenvironment and cardiovascular remodeling: Role of dual L/N.type Ca2+ channel blocker.

OBJECTIVE: Patients exposed to chronic sustained hypoxia frequently develop cardiovascular disease risk factors to ultimately succumb to adverse cardiovascular events. In this context, the present study intends to assess the role of cilnidipine (Cil), a unique calcium channel blocker that blocks both L-type and N-type calcium channels, on cardiovascular pathophysiology in face of chronic sustained hypoxia exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved Wistar strain albino rats. The group-wise allocation of the experimental animals is as follows - Group 1, control (21% O2); Group 2, chronic hypoxia (CH) (10% O2, 90% N); Group 3, Cil + 21% O2; and Group 4, CH (10% O2, 90% N) + Cil (CH + Cil). Cardiovascular hemodynamics, heart rate variability, and endothelial functions (serum nitric oxide [NO], serum endothelial nitric oxide synthase [NOS3], and serum vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) were assessed. Cardiovascular remodeling was studied by histopathological examination of the ventricular tissues, coronary artery (intramyocardial), and elastic and muscular arteries. Normalized wall index of the coronary artery was also calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated altered cardiovascular hemodynamics, disturbed cardiovascular autonomic balance, increased levels of VEGF and NOS3, and decreased bioavailability of NO on exposure to chronic sustained hypoxia. The histopathological examination further pointed toward cardiovascular remodeling. Treatment with Cil ameliorated the cardiovascular remodeling and endothelial dysfunction induced by CH exposure, which may be due to its blocking actions on L/N-type of calcium channels, indicating the possible therapeutic role of Cil against CH-induced cardiovascular pathophysiology.

Cytological Diagnosis of Primary Cutaneous Aspergillosis Masquerading as Lipoma in a Known Case of Lepromatous Leprosy.

Primary cutaneous aspergillosis is a rare disease, caused by organisms like Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a simple and well established tool for the diagnosis of mycotic infections. We report a case of forearm swelling that presented clinically as lipoma in a known case of lepromatous leprosy. It was diagnosed as primary cutaneous aspergillosis on FNAC, which was subsequently confirmed on culture. Cutaneous aspergillosis co-existing with leprosy has rarely been reported in the literature and early diagnosis of aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients is mandatory.